Getting accurate and up-to-date information before or during an emergency will help people stay safe, says Janice Sherry, Minister Responsible for Public Safety.

"Knowing where to get important information in advance of, or during, an emergency can be a crucial component in emergency preparedness," said Ms. Sherry. "The Office of Public Safety is encouraging Islanders to think about where they get emergency information and plan ways to communicate with family, friends and emergency responders."

May 4 to 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week), a Canada-wide annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. During EP Week Islanders are encouraged to learn the risks, make a plan and get a kit.

To help Islanders prepare, the Office of Public Safety has created a document called Your Emergency Preparedness Guide. The guide, which can be downloaded from www.peipublicsafety.ca or ordered by calling toll free 877-894-0385, contains information to help Islanders identify risks specific to them, create an individualized emergency plan and put together a household emergency kit.

"In a moment's notice, an emergency can change everything," said Ms. Sherry. "Every household should have a plan and supplies to sustain the residents for a minimum of three days."

The Office of Public Safety invites Islanders to take a moment to complete a short survey for EP Week.

Survey participants can choose to enter a draw for a special EP Week gift bag.

Follow the Office of Public Safety on Facebook and Twitter @peipublicsafety.